Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Slovenia's Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) continues to command the 2024 Tour de France, retaining the yellow jersey after Sunday's Stage 9, despite a setback for his team with the withdrawal of key mountain lieutenant João Almeida.
Pogačar holds a 54-second lead over Belgian Remco Evenepoel (Soudal–Quick-Step) in the general classification heading into the mountain stages. But the UAE Team Emirates camp was dealt a significant blow with the exit of Almeida, who fractured a rib during a crash on Stage 7.
The 26-year-old Portuguese rider had been in outstanding form this season, having already claimed victories at the Tour de Suisse, Tour of the Basque Country, and the Tour de Romandie. His absence leaves Pogačar without one of his most trusted climbing support riders for the critical Alpine tests ahead.
While GC contenders calculated their next moves, the spotlight on Stage 9 belonged to Tim Merlier, who edged out green jersey holder Jonathan Milan in a breathless sprint finish in Châteauroux.
The 174.1-kilometre flat stage from Chinon was always tipped for the fast men, and Merlier did not disappoint. The Belgian from Soudal–Quick-Step timed his final surge to perfection, mirroring his Stage 3 win in a near-photo finish against the same rival.
"One moment I thought I was boxed in, but I could come out just before 200 metres – or maybe just after, I don't know anymore," said Merlier. "I just went all in, and I'm happy I can win my second stage here."
The sprint finale came after an audacious solo break by Mathieu van der Poel, who was the last survivor of an early escape with teammate Jonas Rickaert.
Propelled by a favourable tailwind, the Alpecin-Deceuninck pair stretched out a lead of over five minutes and picked up intermediate points. But as the peloton tightened the pace and rival teams joined the chase, the Dutchman's effort unravelled heartbreakingly just 700 metres from the line.
"Well, five-and-a-half minutes is a lot, so we tried to help, and other teams also started to pull. The pacing was quite high," Merlier added. "It was just hard for everyone-those up front, those pulling, and the nervous bunch behind."
Despite the drama up front, the general classification saw little movement, with Pogačar continuing to look composed in yellow. But with Almeida out and the mountains looming, the defending champion's grip on the race will soon face its stiffest test.
Longo Borghini Retains Giro
Elisa Longo Borghini won the women's Giro d'Italia for the second year in a row on Sunday after the home favourite finished fourth in the closing stage behind Liane Lippert.
The 33-year-old Italian had taken possession of the overall leader's pink jersey on Saturday and kept hold of it when it mattered most. She topped the general classification by 18 seconds ahead of Swiss rider Marlen Reusser (Movistar).
"I'm lost for words. This Giro was intense, packed with emotions, unforgettable" commented Longo Borghini. "I knew I was going to have to give everything, and that's what I did. Cycling is full of highs and lows, and moments like this make the sacrifice worthwhile," she added.
Australia's Sarah Gigante, who had won Saturday's queen stage, took third overall, at 1 minute, 11 seconds.
Toro Takes Tour of Austria
Isaac Del Toro secured overall victory at the Tour of Austria, his career's second, after finishing safely in the main group during Sunday's fifth and final stage.
Victory for the 21-year-old Mexican was built on three consecutive stage victories from Thursday to Saturday, helping him secure the red leader's jersey without any trouble. His success brings UAE Team Emirates-XRG's 2025 season tally to 62 wins.
Sunday's stage was won by Bob Jungels of Ineos Grenadiers from a breakaway, while Del Toro's teammate Florian Vermeersch finished third in the sprint.
The race began with a strong start for the Emirati team, as Felix Großschartner took a solo win on the opening stage, before Del Toro's hat-trick. Veteran Rafał Majka delivered a steady performance throughout the week to finish third overall.
